START DATE: April 2

DURATION: Spring and/or Fall season (many staff also couple this opportunity with summer instructional opportunities on Thompson Island, making it a 7.5 month duration position)

ABOUT THOMPSON ISLAND OUTWARD BOUND EDUCATION CENTER:

Established in 1988, Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center is an independent Massachusetts not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide adventurous and challenging experiential learning programs that inspire character development, compassion, community service, environmental responsibility, and academic achievement. We serve over 6,500 early adolescents annually from all economic and social communities of greater metropolitan Boston, and the institutions and adults who support them.

In partnership with Boston Public Schools and the National Park Service, our programs utilize the natural resources of Thompson Island to ignite a love of learning, inspire curiosity, and build teamwork in students of all ages. From hands-on field experiences for urban youth to summer wilderness expeditions and professional team building programs, we change lives through challenge and discovery.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Youth Program Facilitators are responsible for the delivery and overall safety of programs that occur during the school-year (spring and fall seasons) on Thompson Island. Working with students in small groups of 8-12, Facilitators are responsible for structuring a safe, inclusive and  and fun learning environment for all participants. 

Through the use of games and initiatives, high and low challenge course elements, hands-on-science lessons, and group processing and reflection, facilitators promote teamwork, character-development, perseverance and effective communication for youth from a wide range of backgrounds, and of varying ages. In the spring and fall seasons, our Facilitators work in support of two different programs:

Connections Programs serve middle schools in the Boston Public School district. The program seeks to narrow the opportunity gap for urban students in Boston Schools by providing hands-on science education and character-building experiences. Designed to inspire an interest in science and promote the development of social emotional skills, Connections courses run on Thompson Island for one to three days, including up to two overnights.  The majority of these programs utilize established STEM curriculum based on the Massachusetts State Science Standards, delivered in nature.

Discovery Programs serve a diverse range of ages and populations, from Boston-area youth to University age students on courses lasting in length from 1-3 days. Discovery programs are custom-designed, utilizing the low and high ropes challenge course elements to provide tailored, adventure-based experiences for young people. 

BENEFITS:

Benefits include free housing on Thompson Island, accrued sick time, access to 401K with competitive match once pre-requisites are met, accident insurance, and access to our comprehensive professional discount program.